Waterstones could list in London or New York under plans being drawn up by its American private equity owner.
A source close to Elliott Advisors told the Mail that an initial public offering is one option on the table for the bookshop.
It comes after boss James Daunt, who joined Waterstones in 2011 and also runs US retailer Barnes & Noble, told the Financial Times a combined listing would be ‘logical’.
The decision is down to Elliott, which snapped up Waterstones in 2018 and Barnes & Noble the following year.
Combined listing: Waterstones Boss James Daunt (pictured), also runs US retailer Barnes & Noble
There is no imminent plan to list the companies but it is a possible option in the future, a source close to the fund manager said.
A London listing would be a huge boost for the City but it would be a hammer blow for the stock market if Waterstones floated in New York.
Elliott declined to comment. Waterstones did not respond to a request for comment.
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